Best Physics Grants in Utah

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding via US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible program. Organizations serving designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play, may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents in Utah can seek approximately US $75,000 to support programs or operations in areas like youth development, K–12 education reform, early childhood education, disabilities, addiction, aging, and homelessness. Grants from Daniels Fund help Utah organizations running impactful community programs that fit these funding areas and demonstrate strong, measurable results.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Utah and beyond can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants, awarding up to US $15,000 for programs serving children’s health, education, development, and welfare. Organizations offering youth enrichment, early childhood development, child advocacy, or related services, including science and environmental education, may be eligible for support.

Utah educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Physics-related programs that improve community safety, STEM education, or disaster preparedness may be eligible under the Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants focus areas.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs that advance economic mobility, basic needs, and community development. Bank of America Charitable Foundation also considers initiatives in arts and culture, workforce development, housing, environment, and diversity, which may benefit physics-related outreach or education efforts in the state.

Nonprofit organizations in Utah seeking support for community, educational, cultural, health, or environmental programs can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, workforce training, and other community-based initiatives that can benefit from relatively small awards.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Utah climate and atmospheric science researchers with recent PhDs can access funding for postdoctoral work through the University of Utah’s Wilkes Center Postdoctoral Program. This two-year fellowship awards more than US $64,000 annually for cutting-edge climate science and policy research, which may appeal to physics-focused scholars working on climate-related phenomena in Utah.

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies preserving traditional cultures and historic sites in Utah can apply for $2,500 - $10,000 to support planning and urgent intervention projects. With a mission to advance historic preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides catalytic funding for archaeology, cultural landscape protection, legal assistance, and community education efforts, requiring a one-to-one match.

Native American and Alaska Native individual artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners in Utah can receive $2,500 in unrestricted support for creative practice and well-being. Creative West’s Native Arts and Heritage Fund backs work in any cultural form and includes a three-month virtual cohort for connection, reflection, and shared learning.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Elementary schools in Utah focused on arts education can receive US $3,000 to host professional teaching artists during the school day. Salt Lake City Arts Council provides Utah schools with funding for in-class artist residencies of at least six weeks within the Salt Lake City School District. Physics-focused classrooms incorporating arts integration may be eligible.

Nonprofit or community programs serving older adult kinship and grand-family caregivers can seek funding to strengthen social connections and behavioral health in Utah and the broader Northwest. With a mission to advance whole person health, Cambia Health Foundation provides up to US $50,000 for initiatives that reduce isolation, improve mental health, and support aging in place.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with youth education, family services, food security, or environmental stewardship programs in Utah can apply for US $30,000 - US $350,000 to expand their community impact. Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards support initiatives like academic enrichment, hunger relief, housing support, and community or environmental projects benefiting young people and their families.

Early-career biomedical researchers at nominated U.S. institutions can receive US $75,000 - US $300,000 to support independent, human health–related research. Grants from Pew Charitable Trusts help Utah physics and related science faculty whose work is grounded in biomedical principles pursue creative basic, translational, or applied projects with flexible funding for personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel.

LIFT 5.1 Scalable Telehealth ProjectsThe LIFT Initiative aims to develop, support, enhance, and improve sustainable physical and behavioral healthcare access and outcomes in Utah's rural communities through scalable, data-informed telehealth strategies, reinforced by training and technical assistance. Projects funded through this RFA must contribute to a robust rural telehealth system consistent with the Utah RHTP Plan.This RFA invites eligible rural providers and partners to apply for funding to implement telehealth and digital care projects that advance the LIFT Initiative outcomes, including, but not limited to:

• Expanded telehealth access and utilization
• Increased telehealth-enabled sites
• Increased availability of telehealth‐enabled specialties
• Reduced travel time and wait times for rural patients

This RFA is only for telehealth projects.

SHIFT 3.2: Rural Health Provider NetworksThis opportunity supports the establishment and/or expansion of integrated rural health provider networks, including but not limited to: rural health clinics, pediatric trauma, or maternal health networks. Awardees will develop a comprehensive resource directory of physical and behavioral healthcare services across rural Utah to detail the capacity, access, and availability of local services to efficiently support both patients and providers. These networks will pool resources, expand local services, reduce duplication of efforts, and lower administrative costs across rural Utah.

With a mission to strengthen library services, Utah State Library Division provides Utah libraries with LSTA competitive grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 to improve capacity, access, and learning. Public and other eligible libraries may fund projects in areas like technology infrastructure, information access, lifelong learning, human services, employment support, and civic engagement.

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations and government units can seek up to US $2,000,000 for arts, education, health, conservation, and community programs that benefit Utah residents. George S Eccles And Delores Dore Eccles Foundation prioritizes high-impact, Utah-focused projects with strong management, measurable outcomes, and broad financial support, which may include physics-related initiatives within these areas.

Utah schools, tribes, municipalities, and nonprofits can seek $500 - $15,000 to build permanent outdoor learning spaces that support youth science and physics education. Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s Youth Engagement Grants fund infrastructure like outdoor classrooms and amphitheaters for outdoor-focused learning tied to the Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge.

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

Recognizing the growing importance of outdoor recreation to Utah’s economy and quality of life, the Utah State Legislature established the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation in 2022. As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the division unites the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with key state programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and outdoor recreation grants and planning. We also work collaboratively with DNR's Division of Law Enforcement Rangers.

Dedicated to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for all Utahns, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation focuses on four key areas: expanding recreational access, promoting safety and education, ensuring responsible stewardship and sustainable visitation, and driving economic growth through outdoor recreation.

Youth Engagement Grants

The Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE), UCORE Educator, and Nature-Based Learning Infrastructure Grants provide outdoor recreation and learning experiences to youth in Utah. This funding aims to teach youth the physical skills that can make outdoor recreation part of a healthy and active lifestyle. 

UCORE Educator 

Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant – For Educators

The UCORE Educator Grant was created to provide a more equitable opportunity for educators to apply. With teachers up against time restraints, funding shortages and limited resources, the UCORE Educator Grant is a streamlined application. The application, although streamlined, does provide educators plenty of opportunity to share the details of their programming, how they plan to work with school administrators, track student participation and progress, while demonstrating competency in program development.  

Applicants must hold a current educator license or certification.

Age Range of Youth Served: 6-18 yo

Schools, cities, counties, tribes, and nonprofits in Utah can apply for Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s Youth Engagement Grants, with awards up to US $15,000 for outdoor recreation and education programming. Funding supports nature discovery, outdoor adventures, trail activities, water and winter sports, and other skill-building experiences for youth ages 6–18 that progress into natural settings.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits doing community development work such as small business development, affordable housing, reentry support, or financial capability can seek $2,500 - $5,000 through the 25 Squared Grant Initiative. With a mission to advance local impact, the Community Foundation of Utah partners with Square Financial Services to support eligible organizations statewide, including those with physics-related community programs.